U.S. patent application number 12/186836 was filed with the patent office on 2009-06-18 for mat fastening system.
Invention is credited to Michael B. Grimm, BRIAN M. PARISI.
Application Number | 20090155015 12/186836 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40753477 |
Filed Date | 2009-06-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090155015 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
PARISI; BRIAN M. ; et
al. |
June 18, 2009 |
MAT FASTENING SYSTEM
Abstract
A system for securing a floor mat with respect to a carpet
within a vehicle that may include a carpet grommet configured to
secure to the carpet, a mat grommet configured to secure to the
floor mat, and a locking ring secured to or within one of the
carpet grommet or the mat grommet. The locking ring includes first
ramped shelves configured to securely abut reciprocal ramped
surfaces formed on the other of the carpet grommet or the mat
grommet. The first ramped shelves are angled in a non-perpendicular
and non-parallel manner with respect to a central longitudinal axis
of the system, wherein the locking ring secures the carpet grommet
to the mat grommet. The carpet grommet may also include an auger
configured to pierce and secure into the carpet.
Inventors: |
PARISI; BRIAN M.; (Evanston,
IL) ; Grimm; Michael B.; (Evanston, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
3600 WEST LAKE AVENUE, PATENT DEPARTMENT
GLENVIEW
IL
60025
US
|
Family ID: |
40753477 |
Appl. No.: |
12/186836 |
Filed: |
August 6, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61014345 |
Dec 17, 2007 |
|
|
|
61047471 |
Apr 24, 2008 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
411/172 ;
24/694 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60N 3/046 20130101;
Y10T 16/118 20150115; Y10T 24/45775 20150115; Y10T 16/10 20150115;
Y10T 24/45942 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
411/172 ;
24/694 |
International
Class: |
F16B 37/04 20060101
F16B037/04; A44B 21/00 20060101 A44B021/00 |
Claims
1. A system for securing a floor mat with respect to a carpet
within a vehicle, the system comprising: a carpet grommet
configured to secure to the carpet; a mat grommet configured to
secure to the floor mat; and a locking ring secured to or within
one of said carpet grommet or said mat grommet, said locking ring
comprising first ramped shelves configured to securely abut
reciprocal ramped surfaces formed on the other of said carpet
grommet or said mat grommet, said first ramped shelves being angled
in a non-perpendicular and non-parallel manner with respect to a
central longitudinal axis of the system, wherein said locking ring
secures said carpet grommet to said mat grommet.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein said locking ring is removable
from said one of said carpet grommet or said mat grommet, and
wherein another locking ring having second ramped shelves having a
different length than said ramped shelves is interchangeable with
said locking ring.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein said carpet grommet comprises a
planar base and a first circumferential wall axially extending from
said planar base, said first circumferential wall having a first
securing member removably secured to a fastening cap having at
least one second securing member, wherein said first and second
securing members provide a locking interface that is perpendicular
to a longitudinal axis of the system.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein said first securing member is a
securing lip inwardly directed from a circumferential wall, and
wherein said at least second securing member comprises a plurality
of teeth or ridges outwardly extending from a stud of said
fastening cap.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein said mat grommet comprises a cap
connected to a connection base through a locking interface that is
perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the system.
6. The system of claim 5, wherein said locking ring securely
connects to said reciprocal ramped surfaces proximate said cap.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein said locking ring is secured
within a connection chamber of said mat grommet, and wherein said
reciprocal ramped surfaces circumferentially extend from a
connection pin of said carpet grommet.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein said carpet grommet comprises an
auger configured to pierce and secure into the carpet.
9. A system for securing a floor mat with respect to a carpet
within a vehicle, the system comprising: (a) a carpet grommet
configured to secure to the carpet, said carpet grommet comprising:
a planar base having a central post defining a hollow passage,
wherein a securing lip is located at a distal end of the central
post; a fastening cap comprising a central stud connected to a
planar flap and a connection pin, said central stud being removably
secured within said hollow passage through a series of ridges that
snapably engage said securing lip, said connection pin having a
locking ramp circumferentially extending about a distal end of said
connection pin, wherein a portion of the carpet is configured to be
compressively sandwiched between said planar base and said planar
flap; (b) a mat grommet configured to secure to the floor mat, said
mat grommet comprising: a connecting base having a first wall
defining a connection chamber; a cap having a second wall that
connects to an interior portion of said first wall through a
positive locking interface that is perpendicular to a longitudinal
axis of the system; and (c) a first locking ring within said
connection chamber, said first locking ring comprising a first
circumferential ramped shelf having a first radial length that
frictionally abuts said locking ramp in a connected position to
secure said mat grommet to said carpet grommet.
10. The system of claim 9, comprising a second locking ring
comprising a second circumferential ramped shelf having a second
radial length, wherein said second locking ring is interchangeable
with said first locking ring.
11. The system of claim 9, wherein said carpet grommet comprises an
auger configured to pierce and secure into the carpet.
12. The system of claim 9, wherein said first locking ring
frictionally abuts said locking ramp proximate said cap.
13. A system for securing a floor mat with respect to a carpet
within a vehicle, the system comprising: a mat grommet configured
to securely engage a portion of the floor mat; and a carpet grommet
configured to securely engage a portion of the carpet, said carpet
grommet comprising an auger configured to pierce and secure into
the carpet and a drive socket that is configured to be engaged by a
tool to drive said auger into the carpet, wherein said carpet
grommet is removably secured to said mat grommet.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein said carpet grommet is a single
piece.
15. The system of claim 13, wherein said carpet grommet comprises a
planar flap, wherein the portion of the carpet is configured to be
sandwiched between said planar flap and an expanded base of said
auger.
16. The system of claim 13, wherein one of said carpet or mat
grommets comprises a clip having opposed prongs separated by a gap,
said clip snapably securing to a reciprocal structure formed in the
other of said carpet or mat grommets.
17. The system of claim 16, wherein said mat grommet comprises said
clip and wherein said reciprocal structure comprises a notch formed
between a planar flap of said carpet grommet and said auger.
18. The system of claim 13, wherein said mat grommet comprises: a
fastening base having a first column having a series of ridges
circumferentially extending from an outer surface, and a cap having
a second column having at least one securing lip circumferentially
extending from an inner surface, wherein said securing lip
positively locks onto at least one of said series of ridges through
a connection interface that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis
of the system.
19. A system for securing a floor mat with respect to a carpet
within a vehicle, the system comprising: a mat grommet configured
to securely engage a portion of the floor mat, said mat grommet
comprising a clip having opposed prongs separated by a gap; and a
unitary carpet grommet configured to securely engage a portion of
the carpet, said carpet grommet comprising: a planar flap; an auger
having a distal tip and expanded base proximate said planar flap,
said auger configured to pierce and secure into the carpet, wherein
the portion of the carpet is configured to be sandwiched between
said planar flap and said expanded base of said auger; a drive
socket formed into said auger, said drive socket being configured
to be engaged by a tool to drive said auger into the carpet,
wherein said carpet grommet is removably secured to said mat
grommet, said clip of said mat grommet snapably securing to a notch
formed within said drive socket proximate said planar flap.
20. The system of claim 19, wherein said mat grommet comprises: a
fastening base having a first column having a series of ridges
circumferentially extending from an outer surface, and a cap having
a second column having at least one securing lip circumferentially
extending from an inner surface, wherein said securing lip
positively locks onto at least one of said series of ridges through
a connection interface that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis
of the system.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application relates to and claims priority benefits
from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/014,345 entitled
"Mat Fastening System," filed Dec. 17, 2007, and U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 61/047,471 entitled "Mat Fastener," filed
Apr. 24, 2008, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference
in their entireties.
FIELD OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a
mat fastening system, and more particularly, to a mat fastening
system used to secure a mat to a carpet of a vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Various vehicles include carpeted interior spaces and
trunks. For example, the floor of an interior cabin of an
automobile may be carpeted. Often, mats are positioned over
portions of the carpet to protect the carpet from moisture, dirt
and debris that may be introduced into the vehicle through a
driver's or passenger's shoes. In order to ensure that the mats do
not shift, the mats may be secured to the carpet through mat
fasteners.
[0004] Typically, a carpet grommet is fixed to a floor structure,
panel or frame of a vehicle. A portion of the carpet is sandwiched
between a base and cap of a carpet grommet. A portion of the mat is
sandwiched between a base and a cap of a mat grommet. The mat
grommet is then connected to the carpet grommet to securely fix the
mat with respect to the carpet.
[0005] In general, the carpet grommet serves as a locator for the
mat grommet. The mat is secured to the carpet through the mat and
carpet grommets. Typically, the mat grommet is removably connected
to the carpet grommet. That is, a user is able to selectively
connect and disconnect the mat grommet with respect to the carpet
grommet. Vehicle manufacturers often specify a desired amount of
connection and disconnection force for the mat and carpet grommets.
The mat and carpet grommets are configured to remain connected to
secure the mat to the carpet, while at the same time allowing a
user to easily disconnect the mat grommet from the carpet
grommet.
[0006] FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a conventional
mat fastener 10 in a connected state, while FIG. 2 illustrates a
cross-sectional view of the conventional mat fastener 10 in a
disconnected state. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the mat fastener 10
includes a carpet grommet 12 and a mat grommet 14. The carpet
grommet 12 includes a planar base 16 having a central post 18
extending upwardly from a central portion of the base 16. The
central post 18 mates with a cap 20. The cap 20 includes a flap 22
having a central column 24 that mates with the central post 18
through a series of half moon ribs or threads 25 formed on an outer
surface of the post 18 that mate with reciprocal half moon ribs or
threads 26 formed on an inner surface of the column 24. A mating
pin 28 extends upwardly from the column 24.
[0007] The mat grommet 14 includes a connecting base 30 having a
central opening that is configured to receive and snapably retain
the pin 28 of the carpet grommet 12. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an
angled ledge 32 of the connecting base 30 snapably engages a lower
ledge 34 formed on an outer surface of the pin 28. A cap 36 is
secured over the connecting base 30 through a ribbed interface.
[0008] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the
conventional mat fastener 10 securing a mat 38 to carpet 40. As
shown in FIG. 3, a hole is formed through the carpet 40 so that it
can be positioned about the post 18 of the carpet grommet 12. The
cap 20 is then connected to the post 18 so that the edges of the
carpet 40 defining the hole are compressively sandwiched between
the flap 22 and the planar base 16.
[0009] Similarly, a hole is formed in the mat 38 so that it may be
positioned on the connecting base 30 about a central stud 42. The
cap 36 is then connected to the connecting base 30 so that the
edges of the mat 38 defining the hole are compressively sandwiched
between an upper surface of the connecting base 30 and a lower
surface of an overhanging portion 44 of the cap 36. The mat grommet
14 may then be snapably secured to the carpet grommet 12 to
securely fasten the mat 38 with respect to the carpet 40.
[0010] The conventional mat fastener 10 does not, however, provide
ideal connection and disconnection for particular applications.
Certain users may find the amount of force needed to connect or
disconnect the mat grommet 14 to and from the carpet grommet 12 too
small or too large. Additionally, the half moon ribbed interface
between the components of the carpet grommet may not be robust
enough to withstand a disconnection force exerted between the mat
grommet 14 and the carpet grommet 12. The half moon ribs do not
provide a positive locking surface. As such, the separation force
is relatively low. When a user attempts to disconnect the mat
grommet 14 from the carpet grommet 12, the cap 20 of the carpet
grommet 12 may be removed from the post 18 of the carpet grommet 12
due to the weak connection force.
SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0011] Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a
system for securing a floor mat with respect to a carpet within a
vehicle. The system may include a carpet grommet configured to
secure to the carpet, a mat grommet configured to secure to the
floor mat, and a locking ring secured to or within one of the
carpet grommet or the mat grommet.
[0012] The locking ring includes first ramped shelves configured to
securely abut reciprocal ramped surfaces formed on the other of the
carpet grommet or the mat grommet. The connection interfaces (i.e.,
the portions that are engaged in a fully connected position) of the
first ramped shelves may be angled in a non-perpendicular and
non-parallel manner with respect to a central longitudinal axis of
the system. The locking ring secures the carpet grommet to the mat
grommet.
[0013] The locking ring may be removable from one of the carpet
grommet or the mat grommet. Another locking ring having second
ramped shelves having a different length than that of the ramped
shelves is interchangeable with the locking ring.
[0014] In at least one embodiment, the carpet grommet includes a
planar base and a first circumferential wall axially extending from
the planar base. The first circumferential wall includes a first
securing member removably secured to a fastening cap having at
least one second securing member. The first and second securing
members provide a locking interface that is perpendicular to a
longitudinal axis of the system.
[0015] The first securing member may be a securing lip, ridge,
shelf or the like inwardly directed from a circumferential wall.
The second securing member(s) may include a plurality of teeth or
ridges outwardly extending from a stud of the fastening cap.
[0016] The mat grommet may include a cap connected to a connection
base through a locking interface that is perpendicular to a
longitudinal axis of the system. The locking ring may securely
connect to the reciprocal ramped surfaces proximate the cap.
[0017] In at least one embodiment, the locking ring is secured
within a connection chamber of the mat grommet, and the reciprocal
ramped surfaces circumferentially extend from a connection pin of
the carpet grommet.
[0018] The carpet grommet may include an auger configured to pierce
and secure into the carpet.
[0019] Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a
system for securing a floor mat with respect to a carpet within a
vehicle. The system may include a carpet grommet configured to
secure to the carpet, a mat grommet configured to secure to the
floor mat, and a first locking ring.
[0020] The carpet grommet may include a planar base having a
central post defining a hollow passage, wherein a securing lip is
located at a distal end of the central post. The carpet grommet may
also include a fastening cap comprising a central stud connected to
a planar flap and a connection pin. The central stud is removably
secured within the hollow passage through a series of ridges that
snapably engage the securing lip. The connection pin has a locking
ramp circumferentially extending about a distal end of the
connection pin. A portion of the carpet is configured to be
compressively sandwiched between the planar base and the planar
flap.
[0021] The mat grommet may include a connecting base having a first
wall defining a connection chamber, and a cap having a second wall
that connects to an interior portion of the first wall through a
positive locking interface that is perpendicular to a longitudinal
axis of the system.
[0022] The first locking ring is positioned within the connection
chamber, and may include a first circumferential ramped shelf
having a first radial length that frictionally abuts the locking
ramp in a connected position to secure the mat grommet to the
carpet grommet. A second locking ring including a second
circumferential ramped shelf having a second radial length may be
interchangeable with the first locking ring.
[0023] The carpet grommet may include an auger configured to pierce
and secure into the carpet. The first locking ring may frictionally
abut the locking ramp proximate the cap.
[0024] Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a
system for securing a floor mat with respect to a carpet within a
vehicle that may include a mat grommet configured to securely
engage a portion of the floor mat, and a carpet grommet configured
to securely engage a portion of the carpet. The carpet grommet may
include an auger configured to pierce and secure into the carper
and a drive socket that is configured to be engaged by a tool to
drive the auger into the carpet. The carpet grommet may be a single
unitary piece that is capable of securing to a portion of the
carpet by itself.
[0025] One of the grommets may include a clip having opposed prongs
separated by a gap. The clip snapably secures to a reciprocal
structure formed in the other grommet.
[0026] The mat grommet may include the clip and the reciprocal
structure may include a notch formed between a planar flap of the
carpet grommet and the auger. The mat grommet may also include a
fastening base having a first column having a series of ridges
circumferentially extending from an outer surface, and a cap having
a second column having at least one securing lip circumferentially
extending from an inner surface. The securing lip positively locks
onto at least one of the series of ridges through a connection
interface that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the
system.
[0027] Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a
system for securing a floor mat with respect to a carpet within a
vehicle that includes a mat grommet configured to securely engage a
portion of the floor mat, and a unitary carpet grommet configured
to securely engage a portion of the carpet. The mat grommet may
include a clip having opposed prongs separated by a gap.
[0028] The carpet grommet may include a planar flap, an auger
having a distal tip and an expanded base proximate the planar flap,
and a drive socket formed into the auger. The auger is configured
to pierce and secure into the carpet, wherein the portion of the
carpet is configured to be sandwiched between the planar flap and
the expanded base of the auger. The drive socket is configured to
be engaged by a tool to drive the auger into the carpet. The carpet
grommet is removably secured to the mat grommet. The clip of the
mat grommet snapably secures to a notch formed within the drive
socket proximate the planar flap.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a conventional
mat fastener in a connected state.
[0030] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a conventional
mat fastener in a disconnected state.
[0031] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a conventional
mat fastener securing a mat to carpet.
[0032] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a mat fastening
system including a carpet grommet disconnected from a mat grommet,
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a central stud
of a fastening cap of a carpet grommet secured to a central post of
a planar base, according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0034] FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a
circumferential wall of a connecting base of a mat grommet securing
to a circumferential wall of a cap, according to an embodiment of
the present invention.
[0035] FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a mat fastening
system including a carpet grommet secured to a mat grommet,
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0036] FIG. 8 illustrates an isometric, partial cross-sectional
view of a mat fastening system including a carpet grommet secured
to a mat grommet, according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0037] FIG. 9 illustrates an isometric, partial cross-sectional
view of a frictional interface between a lower ramped surface of a
connection pin and an upper ramped surface of a ramped ring,
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0038] FIG. 10 illustrates an isometric, partial cross-sectional
view of a frictional interface between a lower ramped surface of a
connection pin and an upper ramped surface of another inner ring,
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0039] FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a mat
fastening system including a carpet grommet and a mat grommet in a
disconnected state, according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0040] FIG. 12 illustrates an isometric bottom view of a carpet
grommet, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0041] FIG. 13 illustrates an isometric top view of a carpet
grommet, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0042] FIG. 14 illustrates an isometric top view of a fastening
base, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0043] FIG. 15 illustrates an isometric bottom view of a fastening
base, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0044] FIG. 16 illustrates an isometric top view of a cap,
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0045] FIG. 17 illustrates an isometric bottom view of a cap,
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0046] FIG. 18 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a mat
fastening system including a carpet grommet and a mat grommet in a
connected state.
[0047] Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in
detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in
its application to the details of construction and the arrangement
of the components set forth in the following description or
illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other
embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various
ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and
terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and
should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including" and
"comprising" and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items
listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional
items and equivalents thereof.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0048] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a mat fastening
system 50 including a carpet grommet 52 disconnected from a mat
grommet 54, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The carpet grommet 52 includes a planar base 55 having a central
post 56 extending upwardly therefrom. The central post 56 includes
a hollow passage 58. A securing lip 60 circumferentially extends
around an upper end of the central post 56. The lip 60 includes a
ramped surface 62 that angles down toward the center of the post
56. The ramped surface 62 terminates in a straight edge 63 that is
perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis x of the mat
fastening system 50. The hollow passage 58 may receive a post
formed on a floor of a structure, so that the mat fastening system
50 is secured with respect to the structure. Optionally, the planar
base 55 may merely fit underneath a carpet, while the central post
56 extends through a hole formed in the carpet.
[0049] The carpet grommet 52 also includes a fastening cap 64
having a central stud 66 connected to a planar flap 68 that
radially extends from the central stud 66. The flap 68 is generally
perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis x, while the stud 66
is aligned with the central longitudinal axis x. A connection pin
69 extends above the flap 68 and is generally aligned with the
central longitudinal axis x.
[0050] The stud 66 includes a series of circumferential teeth or
ridges 70, each having a straight edge 72 connected to a ramped
surface 74, extending from an outer surface of the stud 66. The
ramped surface 74 is generally aligned with the ramped surface 62
so that the ramped surface 74 may slide over the ramped surface 62
as the stud 66 of the fastening cap 64 is urged into the hollow
passage 58 of the central post 56.
[0051] In order to secure the fastening cap 64 to the base 55, the
stud 66 is positioned over the hollow passage 58. The stud 66 is
then urged into the hollow passage 58 in the direction of arrow A.
[00521 FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of central stud 66
secured to the central post 56. Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, as the
ramped surfaces 74 of the stud 66 move into the hollow passage 58,
they slide over the ramped surfaces 62 of the securing lip 60. When
the straight edges 64 of the securing lip 60 encounter the straight
edges 72 of the teeth or ridges 70, the teeth or ridges 70 snapably
secure to the securing lip 60. That is, the ramped surfaces 62 and
74 provide a sliding interface, while the straight edges 64 and 72
provide a positive lock. Because the straight edges 64 and 72 are
both perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis x, and
therefore the direction of connection/disconnection, the resulting
securing interface between the teeth or ridges 70 and the securing
lip 60 is robust. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the stud 66 includes a
plurality of circumferential teeth 70 at varying heights. More or
less teeth or ridges 70 may be formed on the stud 66. The fastening
cap 64 may be adjusted to particular heights depending on a
particular application. That is, the securing lip 60 may snapably
secure to a lowermost, uppermost, or intermediate circumferential
tooth or ridge 70.
[0052] While the base 55 is shown as having a single securing lip
60, the base 55 may alternatively include a series of ramped
surfaces and straight edges circumferentially extending within the
hollow passage 58. That is, the base 55 may include a series of
ridges or teeth spaced apart from one another that are configured
to engage the teeth or ridges 70 of the stud 66, in order to
provide a more secure engagement.
[0053] The connection pin 69 includes a locking ramp 76 extending
around the pin 69 proximate an upper end 78. The locking ramp 76
includes a first ramped surface 80 that extends outwardly from the
upper end 78 until it reaches an apex 82, which is connected to a
second ramped surface 84 that recedes back toward the central
longitudinal axis x from the apex 82. The connection pin 69 is
configured to snapably secure to the mat grommet 54.
[0054] Referring again to FIG. 4, the mat grommet 54 includes a
connecting base 88 secured to a cap 90. The connecting base 88
includes a planar flap 92 having a central circumferential wall 94
extending around a central connection chamber 96. An inner ring 98
is formed or positioned within connection chamber 96 and is
separated from the wall 94 by a gap 100. The inner ring 98 may be
fixed to the wall 94 through a beam, or a tab that mates into a
slot formed in the wall 94. Thus, the inner ring 98 may be
integrally formed with the wall 94, or it may be separate and
distinct from the wall 94. If separate and distinct, the inner ring
98 may be interchangeable with other rings.
[0055] The inner ring 98 includes an upstanding wall 102 having a
lower ramp 104 that opens outwardly away from the central
longitudinal axis x. A ramped ledge 106 connects to an upper end of
the upstanding wall 102.
[0056] The cap 90 includes a toothed circumferential wall 108 that
is configured to be secured within the gap 100. As such, the wall
108 is positioned between the wall 94 and the inner ring 98.
[0057] FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the
circumferential wall 94 of the connecting base 88 securing to the
circumferential wall 108 of the cap 90. Referring to FIGS. 4 and 6,
the wall 108 includes a series of circumferential teeth or ridges
110 about an outer surface that are configured to snapably secure
to a circumferential securing lip 112 formed on an interior of the
wall 94. A robust securing connection is provided between the
securing lip 112 and the teeth 110, in a similar fashion to the
central stud 66 and the central post 56, described with respect to
FIG. 5. That is, the locking interfaces between the securing lip
112 and the teeth 110 are perpendicular to the central longitudinal
axis x, and therefore the direction of connection/disconnection.
Additional inwardly directed teeth may be formed on the wall
94.
[0058] FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate cross-sectional and isometric,
partial cross-sectional views, respectively, of the mat fastening
system 60, including the carpet grommet 52 secured to the mat
grommet 54, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In
order to secure the carpet grommet 52 to the mat grommet 54, the
connection pin 69 is moved into the connection chamber 96 so that
it is within the inner ring 98. As the pin 69 is urged into the
inner ring 98, the first, or upper, ramped surfaces 80 abut into
the lower straight edges 114 of the inner ring 98. As the pin 69
continues to be urged into the inner ring 98, the upper ramped
surfaces 80 spread the ring open. When the inner ring 98 engages
the apex 82, the inner ring 98 is spread open at its greatest
extent. As the pin 69 continues to be urged into the ring, the
inner ring 98 engages the second, or lower, ramped surfaces 84 of
the pin 69. As such, the inner ring 98 contracts back to its
at-rest position, while the ramped surfaces 84 abut into the upper
ramped shelves 116 of the inner ring 98, which are generally
parallel with the lower ramped surfaces 84 of the pin 69. In this
position, a distal upper end 118 of the connection pin 69 may be
retained within a hole formed through the cap 90. The compressive,
frictional abutment of the upper ramped shelves 116 of the inner
ring 98 into the lower ramped surfaces 84 of the pin 69 provides a
secure connection between the mat grommet 54 and the carpet grommet
52. However, because the interface is angled with respect to the
central longitudinal axis of the system 50, the force required to
disconnect the carpet grommet 52 from the mat grommet 54 is not
excessive. In order to disconnect the mat grommet 54 from the
carpet grommet 52, a user urges the mat grommet 54 away from the
carpet grommet 52 with enough force to overcome the specified
locking force between the mat grommet 54 and the carpet grommet 52.
For example, a user may desire to remove a floor mat from the
vehicle during a cleaning process. Additionally, debris may get
under the mats, or the mats may be stained, both instances in which
a user would want to remove the mats.
[0059] A user may easily connect and disconnect the mat grommet 54
from the carpet grommet 52, while resting assured that the base 55
and fastening cap 64 of the carpet grommet 52 remain secured to one
another and the cap 90 and the connecting base 88 of the mat
grommet 54 remain secured to one another. That is, the positive
locking interfaces between the base 55 and the fastening cap 64,
described with respect to FIG. 5, and the positive locking
interfaces between the cap 90 and the connecting base 88, described
with respect to FIG. 6, ensure that these components remain stable
when the mat grommet 54 is removed from the carpet grommet 52. The
forces needed to overcome the connection forces between these
components is greater than the force needed to disconnect the mat
grommet 54 from the carpet grommet 52. Thus, when the mat grommet
54 is removed from the carpet grommet 52, the fastening cap 64 of
the carpet grommet 52 is not susceptible to being removed from the
carpet grommet 52 along with the mat grommet 54 (as with
conventional mat fasteners).
[0060] Alternatively, the ring having ramped shelves may be formed
on or within the carpet grommet 52, with reciprocal features formed
in the mat grommet 54.
[0061] FIG. 9 illustrates an isometric, partial cross-sectional
view of a frictional interface between the lower ramped surface 84
of the connection pin 69 and the upper ramped shelf 116 of the
inner ring 98, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
As discussed above, when the mat grommet 54 is connected to the
carpet grommet 52, the lower ramped surface 84 extending outwardly
from the connection pin 69 frictionally abuts the upper ramped
shelf 116 of the inner ring 98. A shorter upper ramped shelf 116
provides a less robust connection. That is, if a relatively low
disconnection force is desired, the upper ramped shelf 116 may be
relatively short, so that there is less of a frictional interface
between the inner ring 98 and the connection pin 69.
[0062] As noted above, the inner ring 98 may be separately attached
within the connection chamber 96. For example, the inner ring 98
may be snapably, latchably, or otherwise removably secured to a
portion of the mat ring 54 (such as the wall 94, shown in FIG. 4)
through a tab/slot connection or the like. As such, a first inner
ring 98 may be interchanged with another ramped ring, depending on
the particular application. For example, a user may decide that a
stronger connection is desired. In this case, the user may swap the
inner ring 98 with an inner ring having a longer upper ramped
surface.
[0063] FIG. 10 illustrates an isometric, partial cross-sectional
view of a frictional interface between the lower ramped surface 84
of the connection pin 69 and an upper ramped shelf 116' of an inner
ring 98', according to an embodiment of the present invention. As
shown, the inner ring 98' includes an upper ramped shelf 116' that
is longer than the upper ramped shelf 116, shown in FIG. 9. The
upper ramped shelf 116' frictionally engages a larger surface area
of the lower ramped surface 84 of the connection pin 69 (as
compared to that shown in FIG. 9), thereby providing a more robust
connection than that shown in FIG. 9. Thus, more force is used to
disconnect the mat fastener 54 from the carpet fastener 52 shown in
FIG. 10 than that shown in FIG. 9. Again, a plurality of inner
rings may be interchanged with one another, depending on a user's
preference.
[0064] The mating connection between the mat grommet 54 and the
carpet grommet 52 shown in FIGS. 4 and 7-8 is closer to the top of
the mat grommet 54, as compared to the conventional mat fastener 10
shown in FIGS. 1-3, in which the mating connection is closer to the
base of the mat grommet. It has been found that this mating
connection proximate the top of the mat grommet 54 better
facilitates the process of disconnecting the mat grommet 54 from
the carpet grommet 52 without separating portions of the grommets
52 and 54 themselves. Further, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 7-8, the
wall 108 of the cap 90 prevents the wall 94 of the connecting base
88 from bending inboard, thereby preventing the cap 90 and the
connecting base 88 from separating. The height of the wall 94 acts
as a cantilever beam proximate the area where the mat and carpet
grommets interface, thereby providing for easy insertion onto the
carpet grommet 52.
[0065] FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a mat
fastening system 120 including a carpet grommet 122 and a mat
grommet 124 in a disconnected state, according to an embodiment of
the present invention.
[0066] FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate isometric bottom and top views,
respectively, of the carpet grommet 122. Referring to FIGS. 11 and
12, the carpet grommet 122 includes a planar base 125 having an
auger 126 extending downwardly therefrom. A connection chamber 128
is formed through a central portion of the carpet grommet 122 and
extends into the auger 126. Unlike the carpet grommet 52 discussed
above with respect to FIGS. 4-10, the carpet grommet 52 is a single
piece.
[0067] In order to a secure a piece of carpet 130 to the carpet
grommet 122, the auger 126 is rotatably engaged to dig and secure
into the carpet 130. The distal tip 132 of the auger 126 passes
into the carpet 130 and the expanding body of the auger is
rotatably engaged into the carpet 130, thereby securing the carpet
130 to the carpet grommet 122. Upon full engagement of the auger
126 into the carpet 130, a portion of the carpet 130 surrounding
the resulting hole formed by the auger 126 is pinched between an
expanded base 134 of the auger 126 and the planar base 125.
[0068] As shown in FIG. 13, in particular, a base 133 of the
connection chamber 128 includes a screwdriver head compatible notch
135. In essence, the connection chamber 128 provides a drive
socket. The notch 135 may be configured to be compatible with a
flat head or Philips head screwdriver. In any event, a user may
engage the notch 135 with a tool, such as a screwdriver, and drive
the auger 126 through the carpet 130 at a desired position. That
is, the auger 126 is rotatably engaged to dig and secure into the
carpet.
[0069] Alternatively, the base 133 may not include the notch 135.
The carpet grommet 122 may include other features, or no separate
and distinct features at all, that allow it to be fastened into the
carpet through the auger 126.
[0070] The mat grommet 124 includes a fastening base 136 snapably
secured to a cap 137. FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrates isometric top and
bottom views, respectively, of the fastening base 136. Referring to
FIGS. 11 and 15, the fastening base 136 includes a fastening clip
138 downwardly extending from a flat base portion 140. The clip 138
includes two prongs 142 separated by a gap 144. The prongs 142
include leading ramped surfaces 146 that angle upward from and
expand away from a central longitudinal axis y from a distal tip of
each prong 142. The leading ramped surfaces 146 connect to trailing
ramped surfaces 148 that angle upward from an apex 150 toward the
central longitudinal axis y.
[0071] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 14-15, a central column 152
extends upwardly from an opposite side of the flat base portion 140
as the clip 138. The central column 152 includes a series of teeth
or ridges 154 extending from an outer surface of the central column
152. The teeth 154 are configured to snapably engage a lip 156 of
the cap 137. This interface forms a positive lock, similar to those
discussed above.
[0072] FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate isometric top and bottom views,
respectively, of the cap 137. Referring to FIGS. 11 and 14-17, in
order to secure a mat 160 to the mat grommet 124, a cylindrical
wall 162 (that includes the lip 156--which may be a contiguous ring
around the wall 162, or a series of tabs--at a distal end) of the
cap 137 is positioned within a hole formed through the mat 150. The
cap 137 is then secured to the fastening base 136 by way of the lip
156 positively locking with respect to one of the teeth or ridges
154.
[0073] FIG. 18 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the mat
fastening system 120 including the carpet grommet 122 and the mat
grommet 124 in a connected state. In order to connect the mat
grommet 124 to the carpet grommet 122, the clip 138 is urged into
the connection chamber 128. As the clip 138 is urged into the
connection chamber 128, the prongs 142 slide over curved surfaces
164 about the mouth of the connection chamber 128 until the
trailing ramped surfaces 148 of the prongs snapably engage flat
edges 166 at terminal ends of the curved surfaces 164. The flat
edges 166 may be perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis y
of the system 120. However, the trailing ramped surfaces 148 may
not be perpendicular to that axis, in order to provide a locking
interface that may be overcome with a particular amount of force.
That is, for a stronger, more robust connection, the trailing
ramped surfaces 148 are angled closer to perpendicular with the
longitudinal axis y. For a less robust connection, the trailing
ramped surfaces are angled closer to alignment with the
longitudinal axis y.
[0074] The mat fastening system 120 may be assembled with respect
to a vehicle after vehicle production. The system 120 allows
customers to determine the best seating arrangement in the vehicle,
then position the mats with respect to the carpet accordingly. The
auger 126 allows for easy insertion at any desired position on the
carpet 130.
[0075] While the mat grommet 124 is shown having the clip 138, the
configurations may be reversed, such that the carpet grommet 122
includes an upwardly extending clip that is received and retained
within a connection chamber formed in the mat grommet 124. Also,
alternatively, instead of using the clip 138, the snapable
connection between the mat grommet 124 and the carpet grommet 122
may be similar to the that shown and described in FIGS. 4 and 7-10.
For example, a hollow carpet grommet 122 may include an integral
hollow post having a locking ramp positioned over the connection
chamber 128, and the mat grommet 124 may include a reciprocal hole
formed therein that removably retains the locking ramp. Further,
the embodiments shown and described with respect to FIGS. 4-10 may
include an auger, such as the auger 126.
[0076] Thus, embodiments of the present invention provide a mat
fastening system that includes a mat grommet that may be easily
connected and disconnected from a carpet grommet, without
separating any portion of either grommet with respect to the
grommets themselves. Embodiments of the present invention allow a
user to easily connect a mat with respect to a carpet within a
vehicle. Embodiments of the present invention may be customized to
provide particular levels of connection and disconnection forces.
Further, embodiments of the present invention may include
interchangeable parts that allow for varying degrees of connection
and disconnection forces. In general, embodiments of the present
invention provide customizable systems that allow for ideal
connection and disconnection for particular applications.
[0077] While various spatial and directional terms, such as top,
bottom, lower, mid, lateral, horizontal, vertical, front and the
like may used to describe embodiments of the present invention, it
is understood that such terms are merely used with respect to the
orientations shown in the drawings. The orientations may be
inverted, rotated, or otherwise changed, such that an upper portion
is a lower portion, and vice versa, horizontal becomes vertical,
and the like.
[0078] Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the
scope of the present invention. It is understood that the invention
disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative
combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or
evident from the text and/or drawings. All of these different
combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the present
invention. The embodiments described herein explain the best modes
known for practicing the invention and will enable others skilled
in the art to utilize the invention. The claims are to be construed
to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the
prior art.
[0079] Various features of the invention are set forth in the
following claims.
* * * * *